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We want to know!
By Cam Tait
January 29, 2007
Help!
Maybe it's the January blues, the aftermath of the holiday season, and we're looking for something...something that might help us get through the winter. Perhaps we can stir a few thoughts and discussions with one of the greatest gifts we have: an opportunity to ask questions. I've pulled together a few just to get the blood flowing.
So, get your fingers limber and shine up the old SEND button.
What are the big issues facing the not-for-profit sector right now? Is the "ask" getting harder? And if so, why? We seem to be living in a world of more and more greed. Is that spilling over to charities? And if so, how?
Last week, I wrote a "what if" scenario about having an event without logos. Could there be such an event - or has sponsorship become such a part of fundraising that we can't really live without it? And why is it so important to some folks to have it known that they support Charity ABC? Meanwhile, others almost blush at the thought of having their names connected with a charity, never mind a photo opportunity with their cheque.
How are boards doing these days? Is it getting harder to find board members? What's the best way to recruit board members...and keep them? Are board members asked to do more than in previous years? How do you keep them motivated? How are relations between board members and staff? Are there any issues that need to be addressed?
Everyone seems to be working longer hours these days. How are staff members handling the increased workload? What are the things that keep staff working longer hours? What's the compensation like? Are charities paying overtime or are staff given days off in lieu of their late nights and early mornings? And what happens when they get back to even more work that has been piled up?
And we can't forget the bloodline of any organization - the volunteers. Are volunteers becoming fewer and farther between, as recent numbers suggest? What`s the best way to keep volunteers engaged and excited? Are there any new ways volunteers can be recognized? Or are more volunteers saying they really don't need any type of recognition?
How's the media landscape out there? Are you finding that media outlets in your city only show up when there's a press conference? Or do they call you on a regular basis? How do you keep your stories fresh?
There are thousands of issues to be discussed and thrown about. So let's create some dialogue. Please send me an e-mail with answers to any of my questions, or share your own ideas.
It can be about anything from soup to nuts...even about balding columnists who list a bunch of questions.
I'll be interested to hear all of your thoughts. After all, there's nothing better than a lively discussion to chase away the winter doldrums.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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